USA's Dig and FX's Tyrant Delay Production in Wake of Unrest in Israel

Two U.S. dramas shooting in Israel are exploring their contingency options given the region's current turmoil. FX's Tyrant, which is shooting in Tel Aviv, has temporarily relocated to Turkey, while USA's Dig, which shoots in Jerusalem, has been on a previously scheduled hiatus for the past week. That break will now continue for a few more days.

The hope inside both productions is to resume production in Israel after tensions quiet down. Dig is set to present a panel at the TV Critics Association press tour Monday, where producers will elaborate on what's next for the show. Insiders say backup plans have been mapped out in case the show can't return to Jerusalem.

The first episode of Dig has already been filmed in Jerusalem, and reporters will be given a first look at that footage at today's session. "We are on a planned hiatus, which has been extended for a few days, given the current situation in Israel," reads a statement from Universal Cable Productions. "Our first priority is safety of our cast and crew. We will continue to assess the situation and plan accordingly."

As for Tyrant, the show is much further along in production (having already launched on air). But its production is also closer to the current unrest, with crew having to take shelter at times.

Both Dig and Tyrant have the expertise of Israeli producer Keshet behind it, and producers are relying on their guidance in determining how to proceed.

Dig, from executive producers Tim Kring and Gideon Raff, stars Jason Isaacs as an FBI agent stationed in Jerusalem, while Anne Heche is the head of the Jerusalem FBI office. Tyrant stars Adam Rayner as the son of a fictional Middle Eastern dictator who fled to the U.S. but returns home.